How to Quit Cocaine and Build Long Term Recovery

Cocaine is a hell of a drug… - Rick James

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. It produces short-term euphoria, energy, and increased talkativeness. Cocaine is loosely defined as a party drug and a “feel good” drug.

Cocaine is often considered a “high class” drug. It is relatively expensive and clean in comparison to other drugs. Some may say that the social stigma associated with cocaine is less demeaning than say heroin or methamphetamine. The term “junky” or “addict” may not be attached to cocaine users in the same way as other hard drugs. Granted, this is a generalization, but through our experience we find that cocaine use is more common in wealthier demographics.

** if anyone can knows of any data or studies on the financial demographics of cocaine users, feel free to leave in the comments or email it to tim@sobernation.com. We have looked all over the internet for studies with no avail**

The Dangers of Cocaine Addiction

What separates cocaine addiction from other drugs is the shortness of the high. After the first use, the high usually wears off within 15-30 minutes. The high of cocaine is very intense and pleasurable, and once it wears off it leaves the user longing for that instant gratification. This is the real danger of coke. It is the reason people go on 4 day coke binges because -generally speaking – it is difficult to stop until you pass out, run out of money, get arrested or end up in the hospital.

“A cocaine high does not last very long. The average high a user gets from snorting cocaine only lasts for 15-30 minutes. These highs are less intense, as it takes longer for the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream when snorted. A smoking high, although more intense due to the rapidity in which the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, lasts for an even shorter period of only about five to ten minutes. After the euphoric high comes the crashing low, in which the addict craves more of the drug and in larger doses.”

When a cocaine user passes the threshold from recreational user into addict, the drug may lead you spiraling into a miserable cycle. It is not uncommon for a cocaine addict to receive their paycheck on Friday, and be broke by Monday. They start the next week depressed and anxious about the consequences of their actions and also from the crash of their dopamine levels. They may get through the week swearing off cocaine for good. Yet, once Friday comes, that first line of cocaine will start the cycle all over again.

Once you’re caught in that downward spiral, it’s very difficult to stop yourself before you hit a bottom.

Most people need help to quit cocaine. Do not be ashamed to ask for help. Sober Nation quit hotline: 866-317-7050.

Effects of Cocaine on the Brain and Body

Cocaine is a stimulant that increases the levels of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. Usually, your brain will essentially recycle these chemicals, but cocaine stops that process from happening, resulting in a buildup of neurotransmitters that causes the euphoric feelings that cocaine users experience.

Psychological Effects of Cocaine: varies with dose and the tolerance of the user.

increases alertness

wakefulness

elevates the mood

mild to high degree of euphoria

increases athletic performance

decreases fatigue

clearer thinking

increases concentration

increases energy

increased irritability

insomnia

restlessness

With high doses an individual may exhibit a pattern of psychosis with confused and disorganized behavior, irritability, fear, paranoia, hallucinations, may become extremely antisocial and aggressive – generally referred to as cocaine psychosis.

Physical Effects of Cocaine

increases heart rate

increases blood pressure

increased body temperature

sweating

increases speed of respiration

dilates the pupils

decreased sleep and appetite

Can decrease seizure threshold and is associated with seizures, strokes, and heart attacks in susceptible individuals.

Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

source: positivemed.com

When you try to quit cocaine, you can experience withdrawal symptoms – the severity of which will depend on your history of cocaine use. One of the strongest symptoms of withdrawal is cravings for more cocaine. The withdrawal symptoms of cocaine are not as chemically dependent as other drugs like heroin or alcohol. It can be described more as a crash than a withdrawal…

Since the body and brain is craving cocaine, withdrawal symptoms include…

anxiety

depression

paranoia

hallucinations

fatigue

restlessness

appetite problems

delusions

How to Quit Cocaine

In order for you to quit cocaine safely, the best way to do it is with help from professionals. We recommend attending an addiction treatment center with the supervision of medical professionals. It is best to start with a detox, because your mood and vital signs should regulate before the work on treatment begins.

In detox, doctors and nurses can monitor your health. They may prescribe medication to ease your withdrawal symptoms. There are no drugs, however, that are FDA-approved to help people quit cocaine or ease cravings for cocaine.

Complete detox from cocaine can take several days, and the recommended course of action after detox is a stay in a rehab center. Inpatient rehab will assist you in your pursuit to quit cocaine by providing you with a safe, controlled atmosphere in which to cope with cravings and learn to live without the drug.

In treatment, you will learn the skills and coping mechanisms to help you move forward. Therapy will be a huge factor in learning to modify your behavior and your impulse control.

Successful cocaine addiction treatment programs begin with a safe and medically supervised detoxification, followed by a transition from addiction to recovery. Support and treatment to help individuals embrace new concepts and ideas that will result in a meaningful change in everyday behavior.

But What Comes Next??

After care is just as important as treatment. Many recovered addicts give credit to a 12 step program for their continuous and long term recovery. Cocaine anonymous is a 12 step group that will help you dig into the reason you used cocaine, and help you build a support group to help you build a life without cocaine use. Attending meetings is highly recommended.

Also, continuous therapy or one on one counseling is a great option. Constant maintenance is essential because all it takes is one small slip or relapse and the entire cycle can start all over again.

Other Ways to Quit Cocaine

It is possible to quit cocaine without the help of a detox or rehab, but the do-it-yourself method isn’t recommended. More often than not, this type of approach eventually leads to relapse. You should always consult a doctor before you try to quit cocaine.

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Comments

I use cocaine everyday, I work hard and make a lot of money most days in excess of £450 worse day £300, I work 7 days a week and don’t let this habit interfere with my work. My girlfriend hates it and has never used it, she knows instantly when I’m on it and this causes major problems for us.

Like every user I have justifications such as

1) it’s my money
2) I look after everyone financially
3) I pay all the bills and everything else
4) it doesn’t afftect my work
5) I’m a fully grown man I will do as I please
6) I don’t hurt anyone or do any wrong while using
7) I don’t drink alcohol at all
8) I don’t go out drinking or clubbing
9) I’m really friendly and generous while using
10) I love cocaine

Am I right or wrong?? In my opinion ciggerettes and alcohol are 10 times worse.

My friends say you deserve to do as you please as you still get up at 8am everyday and get the work done, you still make ridiculous amounts of money and your far from shy with it if anybody needs your help.

everywhere you turn to for help it’s about money.there is no good help out there if you can’t pay.the attitudes of the free help is rude and disrespectful..where can people turn to with no money….no it’s not me it’s my son he’s 42 and he’s been trying to stop for a number of years now but he keeps relapsing… he’s trying so hard….HELP.

Cocaine is terrible there’s no justification, it’s stripped me of everything, the best and only way now is up starting fresh and cutting out all my so called mates who continue to go down that route, time to go old school and get my head back into religion as it seems the only good that ever come good